Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad will investigate the circumstances surrounding a suspicious fire which occurred in Prahran this morning.
Officers were patrolling the vicinity of Malvern Road and Chapel Street about 2.05am when they noticed a fire at a Chapel Street nightclub.
Simultaneously, a witness called Triple-Zero to report a loud bang and a light-coloured hatchback fleeing the scene.
A number of witnesses have also reported seeing two vehicles travel in convoy along Commercial Road around 1.50am.
It is believed a number of offenders used a vehicle to ram the front door of the building, before spreading accelerant and setting it alight.
Two 20 litre jerry cans were seized from the front of premises.
Fortunately the club was empty at the time and no one was injured, but the premises was completely destroyed and it is expected surrounding buildings will also be impacted.
The fire is believed to be suspicious, and detectives will investigate any potential links to any other incidents.
Anyone with information of footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad:
"We are obviously treating this fire as highly suspicious given the circumstances and the history of this venue. Noting this was a deliberate act, we will keep an open mind as to why this has occurred.
"The nightclub has been closed since September of last year. Thankfully, that means there was nobody inside the premises at the time and we are very lucky that nobody has been hurt.
"The behaviour of these offenders is nothing short of frightening. Businesses and livelihoods are being destroyed, landlords' insurance premiums are skyrocketing, and the reality is that we could have had a number of people killed as a result of this fire.
"Someone out there will know who is responsible for this fire and why and I am urging them to come forward and speak to police or contact Crime Stoppers."
